The Final Four is over and the Louisville Cardinals are the national champions. With their victory, the college basketball season has come to an end. Likewise, the scouting of competitive games also has ended, and thus we're ready to reveal our first full mock draft of 2013.

All year we have kept tabs on the draft stock of players using our Big Board and the Top 100 list. Both tools are a reflection of the consensus of NBA scouts and GMs about a player's relative value in the draft.

A mock draft is a different animal altogether. In a mock draft we don't tell you where a player should go, but rather, what each team in the draft would likely do with their pick. At this point very little is set in stone, as we are still in the NBA regular season. Expect this mock draft to fluctuate greatly over the course of the next two months.

Draft order will change, as will the stock of a number of players thanks to draft camps in Portsmouth, Va., and Chicago in the coming month. We still won't know which underclassmen officially declare for the draft until the April 28 deadline. We won't even be sure of the non-lottery draft order until the regular season ends. Nor will we know the results of the lottery draft order until the NBA draft lottery on May 21. Thus, the mock draft order begins with the lottery teams owning the greatest possibility of winning the No. 1 pick (by percentage), then followed by the remaining teams in reverse order of current standings.

If you want to check out what your team would do with the No. 1 pick, check out our Lottery Mock Draft Machine that features more than 2,000 scenarios.

Here's my initial stab at a full first-round mock draft for 2013 (assuming every eligible prospect who has yet to state their intentions on the draft declares), after accounting for team needs.

Analysis: The Bobcats need help everywhere. With the possible exception of small forward (where last year's No. 2 pick Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is holding down the fort), Charlotte doesn't really have an A-list player on its roster. The Bobcats already have a young, athletic project in Bismack Biyombo, but every scout feels that Noel has much more potential than Biyombo and most GMs feel Noel has the most upside of any player in the draft. Noel's ACL injury is an obvious red flag, but even that could turn into a blessing. If the Bobcats have to sit Noel for much of the season, they'll likely finish with the best chance of winning the lottery in 2014. With Andrew Wiggins and a stellar high school class of 2014 coming up, it might be worth the wait.

Analysis: The Orlando Magic have promising young players at the 3, 4 and 5. While they could certainly upgrade there (and might if Noel is available), I expect them to take a backcourt player at No. 2. Jameer Nelson is 31 and starting to slow down. Adding a dominant player like Smart would upgrade the position immensely. While Smart has his weaknesses (his jump shot is shaky and he needs to tighten up his handle), he's strong, has a great motor and toughness, is a beast defensively and brings the leadership a young rudderless team like the Magic desperately needs.

Analysis: The Phoenix Suns shot 32 percent on 3-pointers this season and desperately need to improve. Their starting 2-guards, Shannon Brown and Wesley Johnson, both struggled from 3. Adding McLemore makes a lot of sense. He's one of the two or three best pure shooters in the draft and has great length and athleticism at his position. He can be a bit of a wallflower, but when he gets going he's as good as anyone in the draft.

Analysis: The Cavaliers have dynamic scorers in both backcourt positions in Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters. Their frontcourt is also virtually set with Tristan Thompson, Anderson Varejao and Tyler Zeller. Their biggest hole is at the 3, and Porter looks like the perfect complementary piece. He's a jack of all trades, doesn't need the ball in his hands to be effective and is a team player. I can't think of a better fit for Porter or the Cavs.

Analysis: The Pistons' biggest need is at small forward. Since shipping Tayshaun Prince off to Memphis, they haven't really had anyone fill his spot. However, I think Oladipo is a better fit for Detroit. Rodney Stuckey has worn out his welcome in Detroit and Oladipo is the type of player that thrived with the Pistons when President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars was still suiting up. Olapido is an elite defender, an explosive athlete and a rapidly improving offensive player. They could settle on a player like Shabazz Muhammad here, but I think Oladipo is the best player on the board for them.

Analysis: The Hornets have interesting young players at every position right now. Their biggest need is probably at small forward, though Al-Farouq Aminu has started to show some promise this year. Clearly the Hornets have a very solid point guard in Greivis Vasquez. However, Burke gives them a completely different look and would be a nice complement to Vasquez at the point. He might be a bit undersized, but his toughness, all-around game, mistake-free basketball and winning attitude should be a great fit in New Orleans.

Analysis: The Kings' biggest hole is at small forward, where they continue to feel the sting from the disastrous John Salmons trade from a couple years ago. Salmons is a shell of himself and the Kings are desperately in need of an upgrade. While Muhammad has been a slight disappointment as a freshman, he's tough, knows how to score and brings a strong motor to the table. I'm not sure if there will be enough shots for Muhammad with DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans, Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Thornton, but I assume the Kings, under new management whether in Sacramento or Seattle, will start to clean house.

Analysis: The Thunder get this pick from the Raptors (which the Rockets received as part of the Kyle Lowry trade only to move it onto OKC as part of the James Harden deal) as long as the Raptors aren't picking in the top three. Oklahoma City needs to find a long-term replacement for Harden at the 2 and a long-term backup for Kendrick Perkins at the 5. Len seems like great value here. He's one of the two or three biggest players in the draft, has a decent offensive game and can rebound and block shots. It really feels like he's scratching the surface. The Thunder can afford to bring him along slowly and hope he develops.

Analysis: The Wizards would have to be thrilled if they can land Bennett this late in the draft. Some teams will look at him as high as No. 2. Not only is Bennett the best player left on the board, but he also fits a need for Washington at the 4. Emeka Okafor has been solid there, but he's not the long-term answer. And at this point it doesn't look like young players like Jan Vesely or Kevin Seraphin are, either. Bennett's NBA body combined with his ability to score anywhere on the floor should give the Wizards another big boost next year.

Analysis: I think it's pretty likely that Harris decides to stay in college another year and undergo shoulder surgery. However, if he does end up declaring, he's a very good fit for a Timberwolves team that still is searching for a long-term solution at shooting guard. The team is shooting just 30 percent from beyond the arc this year and getting a player like Harris who can really knock down shots is a priority.

Analysis: At the start of the season there was talk of Zeller being the No. 1 pick. However, he didn't improve as much as scouts expected him to this season and his stock has slid a bit. He'd be a nice fit in Philly, however. With the exception of Spencer Hawes, the Sixers just don't have a lot of size. While I don't think Zeller is worthy of a top-five pick anymore, he's a good value here.

Analysis: McGary mania is in full swing after a terrific run in the NCAA tourney, but NBA scouts still are getting their arms around his draft stock. They've really only been scouting this Mitch McGary for about eight games. However, on the surface, it appears that McGary has a lot of promise. He's got an incredible motor, is a good athlete, has great hands, rebounds, blocks shots and has shown a midrange game. It's possible he's a one-hit wonder, but I think more and more teams believe he's the same kid that ranked as one of the top five players in the country after his junior year of high school. He could be a great replacement for J.J. Hickson should he bolt in free agency this summer.

Analysis: The Mavs have been riding Darren Collison all season at the point and there's a chance they re-sign him as a restricted free agent this summer. Whether they do or don't, Carter-Williams seems like a safe play. When he's good, he looks like a top-five pick. When he's off, he doesn't look like a first-rounder. He's a good passer with great size for his position and a very smooth athlete. He lacks a jump shot and needs to get stronger, but there's so much potential there, the Mavs could swing for the fences with him at No. 13.

Analysis: The Suns will get this pick via the Lakers as part of the Steve Nash trade if L.A. ends up in the lottery. If the Suns go with a shooter with their first pick, don't be surprised if they try to add some size with their second one. Plumlee's combination of athleticism and size might make the most sense since, while he isn't exactly tough, he's tougher than most of the finesse young bigs on the roster.

Analysis: The Bucks don't have a lot going for them right now at the small forward position -- especially since sending Tobias Harris out of town in the J.J. Redick deal. Robinson would give them yet another long, athletic forward who can fly up and down the floor. The difference with Robinson? He can shoot, and let's face it, there's some karma at play here, too. The Bucks drafted Robinson III's father with the No. 1 pick in 1994. Keep it in the family.

Analysis: The Celtics definitely need size, and Olynyk is the sort of stretch big man that the team has liked in the past. His low-post game is still so-so, but he's a very difficult matchup on the high post. His ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket is special for a player his size. He could be a nice complement, in the long run, with Jared Sullinger.

Analysis: The Jazz have been in the market for a point guard for a while and had their sights set on both Jimmer Fredette and Damian Lillard in the last two drafts only to lose them both. I'm not sure if McCollum is a true point guard, but I'm also not sure the Jazz need one as both Gordon Hayward and Alec Burks can handle the ball. What they really want is another shooter, and McCollum shot 51 percent from 3-point range before going down with a season-ending foot injury. He's one of the most dynamic scorers in the draft and some scouts believe he could be this year's Lillard.

Analysis: There are mixed messages on whether Saric will enter the 2013 NBA draft. If he declares and slides this far, he probably won't stay in the draft. But if the Hawks can get their hands on him, they are getting a player with an off-the-charts basketball IQ who can play a lot of point forward in the pros. He's struggled a bit this year, but most international scouts in the know think the talent makes him worthy of a lottery pick. He's a great get here.

Analysis: Every year the Bulls are in the hunt for a shooter at the 2-guard position and every year they come up just a bit short. Landing Caldwell-Pope could be their lucky day, as he has both the size and shooting ability to be a serious threat in the NBA. He's played on such a poor team the past two years that his stock has fallen a bit, but if he's surrounded by other players who can score the ball (and he would be in Chicago), he could suddenly be the steal of the draft.

Analysis: Franklin's game defies a position. He's a super-athletic wing who rebounds, plays above the rim and can do just about everything (but shoot) on the floor. The Hawks could really use a player like Franklin as a jack-of-all-trades coming off the bench.

Analysis: If the Jazz go small with their first pick, don't be surprised to see them go big with their second one. Al Jefferson will most likely leave over the summer and Derrick Favors would probably take over as the starting 5, but he'll need help. Withey isn't special on the offensive end, but he's a dominant shot blocker who stays out of foul trouble. They'll be able to find 15 minutes a night for him.

Analysis: The Nets could really use some backup help at the 5, and they need someone who can step in and play right now. Dieng drops a few spots on our board because of his age, but he should be a terrific fit as a backup to Brook Lopez in Brooklyn. The team could really use his shot-blocking abilities.

Analysis: The Pacers have plenty of young players and no real pressing needs right now. If there was a long-term replacement for David West here, they'd obviously take him. But without one, look for them to swing for the fences and take a player with huge upside in Gobert. He has a 7-foot-9 wingspan and is a good athlete. He's not ready for the NBA, but the Pacers will have the luxury of developing him over in France for the next couple of years.

Analysis: Austin was hailed as a potential top-10 pick coming into the college season. However, he struggled a bit on both ends of the ball and scouts became wary. He needs a lot of work on both his body and his jump shot, but on long-term upside, he might be worth a shot here.

Analysis: The Clippers could always use more shooting, and when Crabbe gets hot, he's very difficult to contain. He can be a bit lackadaisical on the defensive end, but at this point in the draft, he's a very good value.

Analysis: Adams probably should've spent another year in school at Pittsburgh and played himself into the lottery. He's got that sort of talent. But he's so raw offensively, anyone that drafts him is going to have to be patient. On the defensive end, however? He can play right now.

Analysis: McAdoo was considered a potential top-five pick at the beginning of the season. But his lack of polish offensively and high turnover rate scared off scouts. There's no question he's an NBA athlete and has the body, but he's still a pretty big work in progress. The Nuggets could really use a little more help in the frontcourt and he could be a nice long-term investment.

Analysis: At the moment, Rice is dominating the D-League for the Rio Grande Vipers. He was dismissed from Georgia Tech last year, so he still has draft eligibility. Since being named a starter he's been averaging 17.6 ppg, shooting 42 percent from 3-point range and averaging eight rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He looks like the sort of player the Thunder would steal late in the first round.

Analysis: Anderson might be the most eccentric player in the draft. Nicknamed "SloMo," he's a big point power forward who can handle the ball, make terrific passes and rebound. He could end up filling the same niche that Boris Diaw (his best comp) did.

Analysis: The Cavaliers might have their backcourt of the future set, but they can always use depth. Hairston is big enough to play the 2 and the 3, and he can be a terrific shooter. He's also tough and aggressive and understands a role coming off the bench. The Cavs are big believers in the numbers, and all of Hairston's advanced statistic profiles come out high, so you could see him sneak into the first round.

PS: I like the idea of taking a gamble and stashing the prospect. Enough of marginal NBA players on the roster already. As a bonus, when he signs, we will lead the league in French backups.

04-10-2013, 06:26 AM

cdash

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

I think there are some potential gems later in the first round. This draft sucks at the top, but I think there are some guys in the 20s that could help a team.

04-10-2013, 06:41 AM

Hypnotiq

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

Gobert is a stud would love him.

04-10-2013, 06:44 AM

cdash

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hypnotiq

Gobert is a stud would love him.

I know absolutely nothing about the foreign crop of gents. Nuntius or any of our other European based Pacer fans: Know anything about this guy?

04-10-2013, 06:56 AM

Hypnotiq

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdash

I know absolutely nothing about the foreign crop of gents. Nuntius or any of our other European based Pacer fans: Know anything about this guy?

he was going top 10 in most mock draft sites for most of the season im not really sure what changed though.

04-10-2013, 06:57 AM

kenyonchow

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

I know it's impractical, but imagine Gobert and Roy on court together.....

04-10-2013, 06:59 AM

Kstat

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

Ive seen Gobert play.

Tall as **** and fantastic shot blocking instincts with a pretty good first jump. His wingspan is so ridiculous he can block shots without leaving the floor.

The downside? He's incapable of making anything that isn't a dunk. He has problems with layups. He's probably the 3rd or 4th best player on his own team right now, and he doesn't even play a lot. The reason behind that is he's practically anorexic. His lower base is practically weightless so even a little contact below the waist and the ball just flies out of his hands at awkward angles.

Also for that same reason, his rebounding is....not so good. He loses his balance very easily when he gets boxed out.

I won't say he reminds me of Manute Bol, but he gets results like Manute Bol. Lots of blocked shots, but not much in the way of offense or rebounding.

All that said, I'd pick him outside of the lottery. He's a project but the upside is pretty good. Athletic 7'3" guys with an even longer wingspan don't come around often. The gamble is that he has to develop some kind of an offensive move or outside shot, because his frame isn't going to get a whole lot stronger. That's the reason why he's going to fall into the 20's.

He's listed at 220, and I'm going to go out on a limb and say that number should be in green font.

04-10-2013, 07:01 AM

Steagles

Nuntius... You know anything about this guy?

Sent from #PacerNation using Tapatalk

04-10-2013, 07:24 AM

NapTonius Monk

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

I'd like Allen Crabbe as a firecracker off the bench.

04-10-2013, 07:36 AM

Kstat

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

The catch-22 with Gobert is Cholet. I don't believe Cholet is very interested in developing him. He's almost 21 and hasn't really improved since he was 19. He isn't really involved in the offense. They send him out to block shots, and he blocks shots. He doesn't get touches if he's not wide open for a dunk. Ford is missing the boat when he says Gobert needs to develop overseas. I don't think they care if he gets any better or not.

I think he's in bad need of NBA coaching and development.

04-10-2013, 07:50 AM

Sandman21

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

Pick him up and stick him in the D-League.

04-10-2013, 08:08 AM

Kstat

Problem is the D league is useless. It doesn't simulate nba basketball at all.

04-10-2013, 08:38 AM

Ragnar

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

What we need is a pass first point guard with real ball handling and passing skills

04-10-2013, 08:53 AM

Eleazar

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragnar

What we need is a pass first point guard with real ball handling and passing skills

I would rather get a vet.

04-10-2013, 09:13 AM

Sparhawk

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

No rail think guys please. Dude has no chance to ever come over.

Glen Rice Jr. Sounds like a scorer to me. This team really needs a backup point. While the Pacers need a scorer today, I think PG, Lance and OJ all take another leap forward, so I really don't forsee this being an issue unless DWest signs elsewhere.

I'd trade the first round pick for something next season honestly. Save the money and sign Jarrett Jack, DWest and backup PF. Also, Oden...just cause.

04-10-2013, 10:16 AM

Nuntius

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdash

I know absolutely nothing about the foreign crop of gents. Nuntius or any of our other European based Pacer fans: Know anything about this guy?

Gobert is an athletic freak. He is born in 1992, he is 7 foot and a quarter barefoot (which means that in the NBA he will be at least 7'1) and has a monstrous wingspan (7'9).

He is really efficient (he shot 79.4% last season and 74% this season for Cholet, both 23 games seasons) but the vast majority of his shots are inside 3 feet.

At this point, he is only a shot-blocker and a PnR finisher. He is quite thin (235 lbs according to DX) although he is lately looking to add some weight. He is very willing to come and play in the NBA.

The problem with Gobert is that he is going to be drafted solely because of his athletic potential, which is enormous. He has not developed basketball skills yet.

I wouldn't mind him at our pick. He is good value for late 1st. But I've seen several mock drafts that have him slated to go top 10. That would be a major mistake, imo.

04-10-2013, 10:19 AM

pacer4ever

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

Smart is 19 not 23 that is a huge difference. If he was 23 he would be evaluated a lot different.

Disagree about the dleague good league. So much higher level of ball than college great for prospects.

04-10-2013, 10:22 AM

Nuntius

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kstat

Ive seen Gobert play.

Tall as **** and fantastic shot blocking instincts with a pretty good first jump. His wingspan is so ridiculous he can block shots without leaving the floor.

The downside? He's incapable of making anything that isn't a dunk. He has problems with layups. He's probably the 3rd or 4th best player on his own team right now, and he doesn't even play a lot. The reason behind that is he's practically anorexic. His lower base is practically weightless so even a little contact below the waist and the ball just flies out of his hands at awkward angles.

Also for that same reason, his rebounding is....not so good. He loses his balance very easily when he gets boxed out.

I won't say he reminds me of Manute Bol, but he gets results like Manute Bol. Lots of blocked shots, but not much in the way of offense or rebounding.

All that said, I'd pick him outside of the lottery. He's a project but the upside is pretty good. Athletic 7'3" guys with an even longer wingspan don't come around often. The gamble is that he has to develop some kind of an offensive move or outside shot, because his frame isn't going to get a whole lot stronger. That's the reason why he's going to fall into the 20's.

He's listed at 220, and I'm going to go out on a limb and say that number should be in green font.

You're spot on, Kstat. He is not as tall as Manute (he is closer to 7'1 and 7'2 than 7'3 or 7'4 but anyway) but their frames are kinda similar. I think that he can gain some weight, though. I read that he has reputedly hired a personal cook and eats 5k calories per day in order to add weight.

We will see how he measures in the workouts.

04-10-2013, 10:24 AM

Nuntius

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kstat

Ford is missing the boat when he says Gobert needs to develop overseas. I don't think they care if he gets any better or not.

I think he's in bad need of NBA coaching and development.

Agreed. Gobert is eager to come to the NBA immediatedly and with good reason. He will not gain anything by playing in Cholet.

04-10-2013, 10:34 AM

pizza guy

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

We're going to trade for Oladipo.

And by trade for him, I mean we're going to trade the Eric Gordon rumors and speculation for Oladipo rumors and speculation.

04-10-2013, 10:37 AM

Major Cold

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

I think if we can get a PG this offseason (either draft or FA) we move Hill to SG. A young PG could come in here and if he is moldable, he could change the current offensive culture.

04-10-2013, 10:42 AM

Kstat

BTW, on a side note, I love me some oladipo.

There are three guys I'd want at #5. He'd be on my short list. He'd be third, but he'd be on it.

04-10-2013, 10:45 AM

Trader Joe

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kstat

Problem is the D league is useless. It doesn't simulate nba basketball at all.

Helped Pulp gain some confidence. I know he and Gobert are not both apples, but I wouldn't say it's completely useless.

04-10-2013, 10:45 AM

Eleazar

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

If he can play defense, and finish around the rim I would be ok with him as a back-up. He does need to put on some muscle, I wouldn't stash him away in Europe though, if we draft him bring him over immediately. Have him and Hibbert work out together in the offseason doing all of those MMA workouts. The sooner he gets acclimated to the NBA the better. Just have to remember he will be coming here as a back-up, so you wouldn't necessarily be expecting him to be a complete player, and if he can do one thing, defense, at a high level you have a pretty good back-up as long as he isn't a complete detriment on offense. If he is shooting 74% that tells me he is well aware of his weaknesses, and doesn't try to play outside his strengths. A good attribute for any player, but especially for a back-up.

He doesn't have the body yet, but we also already have Ian. So he wouldn't be expected to come in and play immediately. It would give him time to develop his body, and other skills. Then when he is ready Ian would be on the final year or two of his contract, making him good trade bait.

Also think about this, we would have four 7 footers on our team. If Plumlee becomes useful no one will be able to really compete with our size as we could have a front court line-up consisting of a 6'10 SF, 7' PF, and 7'2 C. Then we still have a 7'1 guy with a freakish wingspan stashed away on our bench. The only problem is I wouldn't trust either Plumlee or this guy to develop a good offensive game, meaning we would still have little to no post offense off the bench.

04-10-2013, 10:45 AM

Trader Joe

Re: Ford's Mock Draft 1.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kstat

BTW, on a side note, I love me some oladipo.

There are three guys I'd want at #5. He'd be on my short list. He'd be third, but he'd be on it.

God hates me enough for Oladipo to end up in Detroit.

I'd love to see him drop to OKC though. He and Westbrook in the court next to Durant. Holy balls.